So we're going to jump some time into the future. Let's see what it has in store, shall we? Enjoy!

Life moved on after this storm. Pucca worked diligently in school and put in her best efforts at the Goh-Rong; Garu worked hard on his ninja skills, having no distractions to delay his ultimate goal of honour and redemption.

Pucca ended up 2nd in the class that year, two marks off top. She had begrudgingly told Ching that she would make sure that she was first next time; Ching believed this. The fire in Pucca's eyes was unquenchable.

Abyo caught Garu grinning during his training sessions. He'd never seen Garu go so hard without any reservation – it was as if he had no cares in the world besides his ultimate goals. The change in their attitudes were stalk and difficult to ignore, however, those who noticed the differences in the pair knew better than to voice their opinions.

Any time Garu and Pucca interacted it was like two strangers conversing politely, of course. Extremely politely. Abyo had once pulled Ching aside to ask what the hell was wrong with Pucca. Ching had had the same worries but having Abyo so vocally confront it in this manner, almost accusingly, Ching couldn't take the idea of her friend being hurt anymore. Ching had simply retorted that Garu wasn't any better. She went on a bit of a rant about Garu being so unemotional and insensitive towards Pucca and that she was better off without him. Abyo quickly realised his mistake and didn't mention the topic again.

Time passed slowly. Children grew into teenagers, and teenagers then grew into young adults. Soon Ching, Abyo and Pucca were going to be graduation High School and would be moving on with their adult lives. They were weeks away from their final exams and then they'd be done for good.

The two girls, both grown into beautiful young women, were walking home from their final period of the day when they heard rather than saw Abyo approach them.

"Hey! Wait up! Ching? Pucca?" He cried as he ran towards his friends. "CHIIIINNNNNNGGGGG? PUUUUUCCCCCAAAA?" Ching whirled on him and clamped her hand on his mouth to stop his belligerent wailing.

"Would you shut up already? You're giving me a headache."

Abyo smirked beneath her hand and have it a quick lick. In mock disgust, Ching pulled away from him sharply but Abyo snagged onto her wrist and instead pulled her closer. She flushed but continued to pretend to be annoyed at his childish attitude.

"Hey, don't be angry with me. I just didn't want you to leave me behind. After all, what're people say if they saw my girlfriend walk away from me so ignorantly?" Ching playfully shoved him, feeling her face heat up. They'd been dating for the majority of their final year of school, Abyo finally finding the courage to ask her out the summer before, but it still embarrassed her to have someone like Abyo so confidently declare their relationship to the world. He grinned back and looped his arms around her lovingly.

Pucca scoffed at them gently. "Ignorantly? My, Abyo, where did we learn this big word?"

Abyo stuck his tongue out at her. "I'll have you know I am quite intelligent when I want to be."

"Ah," Pucca feigning confusion, placing her hand on her lips contemplating his words. "And when is that now?" Abyo let go of Ching with one arm to shove Pucca's head to the side.

"What a cheeky girl you've become, Pucca." It was Pucca's turn to stick her tongue out at him. He went to shove at her again but she dodged his hand and skipped ahead of them.

"Well, I don't want to cramp your love-bird style so… I'll take my leave."

Ching untangled herself from her boyfriend to look at her friend in concern. "No, Pucca! We were going to go to that new little café in the Village. We were going to go over our notes for Chinese History." Pucca smirked.

"Yeah, Pucca, then I can prove how intelligent I really am. Give you a run for your money, eh?" Abyo chimed in. He just loved to find opportunities to show off, Ching rolled her eyes. She looked at her friend hopefully.

"Sure, whatever you say Abyo."

"So, you'll come? We can have a study session!" Ching bounded on her feet, gaining an adoring look from Abyo in the process. Pucca noticed and her smile dimmed a little.

"Nah, you can have a study session with Abyo. After all, with his big… brain, you won't need me around." She winked and was pleased to see Ching stutter. Pucca laughed. "Besides, I promised my uncles I'd work at Goh-Rong tonight so I'll just go there a little earlier." She waved, "See you two later."

Before either of them could argue, Pucca had spun and joyously bounded away towards the restaurant. She rounded a corner and, knowing no one could see her, faltered in her energetic step. The smile she had kept on her face slipped from its perch of honour and she rubbed her cheeks. She didn't know when it started but keeping a smile on her face had become increasingly more difficult. Her face usually ached by the end of the day.

She let out a sigh and began a slower paced stroll towards her uncles' restaurant. Her gaze focused on the ground and took note of the distinctions between the paths: those which contained cracks, those which had shrubbery bursting through the seams, those which had been made into a collage of artwork by neighbouring children. In no time at all, she had arrived at her destination.

She kicked a rejected piece of stone which had tumbled off the structure. She watches it bounce across the lush grace and rest underneath the decrepit arch of one of the fallen pillars. Pucca took in the sight of the dimming light illuminating the ancient arches and points of her sanctuary. She placed a hand along the old, oiled wood and lowered herself onto the steps of the temple. She leaned against the side, placing her head gently onto the banister leading into the main prayer area.

She hadn't meant to lie to her friends. But she found herself doing it more and more. She let out a deep sigh. She waited. Waited for the guilt from lying to surge. The guilt of running off and not offering to help with her uncles' restaurant. It never came. Closing her eyes, she imagined her friends faces if they came across her now in the forest, alone, and not where she said she'd be. She tried to image her uncles' trying to call her and not receiving an answer, and the worry that might cause. The sigh that escaped her this time was one of frustration.

Defeated, she flopped back onto the polished wooden floorboards. Pucca had discovered this place a little over a year ago; right when she had needed it. When she needed a place no one knew, a place she could leave everything a while and be by herself. She'd been wandering the forest aimlessly and had stumbled into a fox's habitat. She had twisted her ankle and wanted to rest. She'd came across it when the light was the dimmest, just before it was snuffed out by the horizon. It became her solitude from then on.

Pucca opened her eyes. She didn't want to fall asleep here. Sitting up, she clapped to motivate herself. She grabbed her bag, opened it and pulled out a book. For the next hour she thought she'd study for the upcoming exams. Then she really would go to her uncles' restaurant to help out.

Pucca hadn't been studying long when she heard a branch snap. Her head shot up and she stared at the intruder. Her blood ran cold. Oh. It's just you.

...

192.

193.

194.

195.

196.

197.

198.

199.

With a final grunt, Garu pulled his body up towards the bar he had set up in his workout zone. 200. He let himself drop the ground and heaved a relaxed and satisfied sigh. He'd really been working hard these past few years and his physical abilities were truly blossoming. He had learned techniques he'd never have thought possible and he was quickly on his way to gaining his honour back and saving his family name.

Garu grabbed the towel by his water bottle and dabbed his damp forehead with it. He sat on the floor looking around the forest with great pride. Maybe a few more weeks, he thought. Maybe a few more and I can return home. He could regain the honour he had been dreaming about for more years than he cared to count. He rolled his shoulders, testing his strength and resilient muscles. Since he no longer got distracted by anyone, especially since Abyo had become occupied with his new relationship, Garu had a lot more time to focus on his goals and the results spoke for themselves. He couldn't help the grin that appeared on his face.

Garu enjoyed the silence of the forest. He enjoyed the cool breeze on his sweat covered back and chest and the sharp tingle he got every time he inhaled deeply. He loved the freedom he had and he didn't want to waste a moment of it. With a joyful bound, he got to his feet and decided that he would finish off his day with a swim through the lake father into the forest. He could swim until sunset and see how the waters changed from vibrant blues, to reds and oranges, to pinks and finally to pitch black with only the moon to shimmer across the surface of the waves he created.

It wouldn't take long to walk there, maybe 35 minutes, but when he was only 20 minutes into his leisurely stole, he heard a deep sigh. He didn't know anyone who would come into the forest just before sunset today; Abyo had bragged about sweeping Ching away for a romantic night of "studying" (his air-quotes), Officer Bruce had the night off shift, and Tobe had moved on a while ago to stalk another misfortunate soul who accidentally crossed him a the wrong time.

Garu cautiously walked in the direction of the sigh, deciding that he'll just take a quick peek to make sure it was no one in trouble. As he edged closer, he noticed the old temple glinting in the lowering light and the long legs stretched out from under the temple's roof. His eyes automatically travelled up and saw the pleats of a neat black skirt just in view from his vantage point. He blinked and went to back up without this young lady noticing his presence. He didn't want to shock the poor girl, being alone in the forest with a man. But what idiot would come into the forest alone? He thoughts as his foot crunched upon a twig.

Quickly, the girl sat up alarmed by the noise. He closed his eyes before stepping out as to not frighten her even more. When the girl stayed quiet, he hesitantly opened his eyes and met the cold swirling depths of the young girl who was still perched on the edge of the temple steps with a book open in her lap. The girl stared at him with such indifference it made his stomach clench. Why was Pucca in the forest?

...

Garu greeted her first, bowing his head respectfully.

Pucca stared at him. Garu suddenly became aware of the fact that he didn't have a shirt on, his original plans of taking a swim causing him to forget it back at his base, and he tried not to cross his arms to block her view. Not that it mattered. Pucca's expression didn't change despite his half naked body being fully on show. She took a visible breath and said, "Good evening, Garu."

He waited. He inclined his head to the temple then the forest. Silently questioning why she was here in the forest all alone.

Her eyes grew icy. "Am I not allowed in the forest now? Is that what you're trying to say?"

He bit his cheek. He closed his eyes for a moment to recite a calming mantra. Pucca had been like this with him for a while. She had been quick to bite at his every action. He had at first tried to befriend Pucca, in a way, by going of his way to be around her. In his heart of hearts, of course, he was really testing if her feelings for him had really gone. As it turned out, she'd guessed his real intention and her behaviour had grew more hostile. He didn't blame her back then but seeing her now, on the cusp of adulthood, and still acting like a child he couldn't help the scorn he felt in his heart.

Pucca looked past Garu towards the sunset. It was about time I left, she decided. Without another word, she stood up and stalked past Garu who remained rooted in his spot. His jaw tightened at being snubbed so directly. Instinctively, he reached out a hand a grasped her forearm. Pucca stopped dead and glared at the offensive hand. She tried to shake the hand off but his grip was strong.

"Let go of me this instant." She tugged again. Nothing. Pucca turned her burning gaze to the dark pits of her former love. The sight of him made her stomach churn and she had to resist the urge to be sick. Pucca had taken a while to recognise this emotion: hatred. Yes, she hated Garu. She hated what he had done to her. She just wanted to be rid of his entire existence from her memory, was that too much to ask the fates? She often pondered that question. "Let. Go. Of. Me." She was spitting the words, silently hoping that they turned into bile which burned his very skin.

Garu's throat closed. Why am I grabbing onto her? Let her go! He wanted to let go but, cruelly enough, that look on her face made him want to hold on. What if, in this state, she went out and got herself hurt in the forest? It was growing dark and she's clearly not in the right mindset to avoid any traps or robbers… Garu's mind sneered at his reasoning.

Pucca huffed. "Ha. So much for a man's honour. Manhandling a woman without her permission is extremely pathetic." Pucca knew this was a low blow but she forced it out with each syllable. Garu's eyes flashed but it did the trick. He let go. Pucca turned and left quickly, not looking back.

Garu's breath was ragged and he felt his fists tightening to the point of whitening his knuckles. He tried to calm his racing blood. He tried to ignore her words. Oh boy, did he try. His body moved on his own after that. A few feet behind, he followed Pucca through the forest. He avoided making noise. He didn't want her to turn and scream obscenities at him for ensuring that she got out safely. It doesn't matter what she thinks. I'm doing what I have to. He reminded himself. Luckily, Pucca never once turned to check on him. She reached the edge of the forest and Garu was grateful to see her back stalk off towards Sooga Village. Difficult woman.

...

Pucca's mood at the restaurant didn't improve any. She did her job but the usual easy-going smile didn't grace her customers. She worked like a robot, expressing nothing of consequence. Pucca's uncles were rather worried about their niece but tonight had been so busy they were unable to question her properly. Instead, they all went home and crashed in their respective beds until dawn rudely awoken them a few meagre hours later.

That morning Pucca left early as to avoid her uncles. She didn't want to deal with their interrogations today. As it was the weekend, Pucca and Ching had plans to meet up. Abyo's birthday was coming up soon and Ching wanted to get him the most perfect present possible. So, obviously she invited Pucca to get a second opinion. Alas, Pucca was up and about much earlier than their appointed time to meet up so she decided that, in the meantime, she'd wander through the town and see the stalls be set up ready for the busy streams of customers. She watched as women delicately displayed long, gorgeous silks out on tables and instructed their children to hand up the lovely traditional hair ornaments on their display cases. Men haled in their catches, stripping back the scales and feathers to appear as attractive as possible.

The most interesting was always Madam Zen. Despite her age, she zipped around her stall – well, tent – and threw up the various beads, charms, dreamcatchers of every colour. The newest item to her collection were various sized gems placed neatly on a silk cloth on a small table besides the opening to her stall. Pucca was intrigued by the glinting gems, wondering what insane story Madam Zen would make up to sell off her stock this time.

Just then, Pucca noticed Madam Zen stretch her small frail frame a little too far trying to tie a final row of beads along the opening to her stall. Creaks and groans cried out from her old rickety chair and that was it: she fell. Pucca moved accordingly. She caught onto the old lady and tumbled to the floor with a bang. The beads shattered around them and others quickly hurried over to help the pair up. "I'm sorry, dear, I'm sorry" Madam Zen kept repeating. She noticed the small cut on Pucca's hand and snatched her wrist to draw her closer. "I'm sorry, let me, dearie."

"Oh, there's no need Madam. I'm fine."

Madam Zen, as she touched the blood leaking from the wound, made a strange face. She looked at Pucca with wide, blood-shot milky eyes. She thrust a handkerchief into her palm before dropping her hold as if she were burned by Pucca's skin. Madam Zen's hands shook as they subconsciously stroked one another over and over again.

"Madam?"

Madam Zen shook her head and took a small step backwards.

Pucca's brows hitched and knitted. She attempted to step towards Madam Zen, to ask her what was wrong, when the old woman stumbled back quicker. The old woman refused to make eye contact with Pucca, instead her gaze was fluttering back and forth along the dusty ground. She visibly swallowed and clamped down her trembling thin lips. She shook her head once more and her thumb began making circular motions on one of the small medallions hanging around her neck.

Pucca couldn't take this strangeness any longer. "Madam, are you alright? Do you need to see a doctor?"

That did it. Madam Zen's eyes snapped back to Pucca, a depth of disgust and fear shining through. "A doctor? Me? I'm not broken, I'm not cursed. Leave! Go! Don't turn back. Go, demon and don't return!"

All the onlookers were shocked and muttered about Madam Zen's mental health. She wasn't quite with it. Maybe they should go get a doctor.

One kind stranger gently grabbed onto Pucca's arm and lead her away from the raving old woman, who was whispering protection spells to herself. "It's okay, sweetheart. Just ignore the old coot. She lost her marbles a long time ago."

"Probably sold them for a profit," another stranger chimed in with a soft smile.

"Exactly! Don't take her words to heart, sweetie." The nice stranger leads her to a small tea shop on another street and kindly paid for a cup of tea to calm Pucca's nerves. Pucca thanked her and sipped her tea in silence. I'm not broken, I'm not cursed! Pucca took another sip, the old woman's words batting around in her head. Go, demon! Demon! Demon… Pucca's tea grew cold in her palms. Shadows became shorter as the sun steadily rose.

"Excuse me, would you like another cup? Young lady?"

Pucca blinked up at the shop owner. "Ah, no thank you." Pucca left the shop and figured it was about time she met up with Ching. With a deep breath, she discarded the memories of Madam Zen. She was going to meet up with Ching, they were going to shop and they were going to have a good time.

...

"Pucca! Pucca!"

Pucca turned to see her friend sprinting towards her. She was out of breath when she stopped before Pucca and there was beads of sweat glistening on her forehead. "I-I'm… Ah… I'm so sorry for being late, Pucca. My dad wanted me to help him file some case reports." Pucca resisted a smile. "It was a nightmare!"

"Yes, I remember seeing the station's case file room. Never see so much chaos in such a small area." Ching grabbed onto her friend's arm for support as she sucked in deep breaths. "Have you thought about Abyo's gift yet or….?"

Ching regained her tall stature and bit her lip. "No. I've tried so hard but all I can come up with is some new nun-chucks – and he has a million of those already!"

"How about a few dozen new shirts? I'm sure his dad would be thrilled that he wouldn't have to replace his son's wardrobe for another week or so!"

Ching elbowed her. "He doesn't do that anymore." Pucca gave her a dubious look. "Okay, he doesn't do it as often anymore. Satisfied?"

As a response, Pucca linked her arm with her best friend and began dragging her through the numerous stalls. Pucca avoided Madam Zen's street with great difficulty. They shopped around, pointing out different things, but nothing really caught their eye. Eventually Pucca pulled them to a stop.

"Do you really need to get him, like, a physical gift?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I?"

"Why don't you take him somewhere instead?"

Ching pursed her lips in thought. "I mean… I guess that could work. But where?"

Ching didn't like the mischievous glint Pucca's eyes gained all of a sudden. Pucca casually slung her arms around her friend and whispered into her ear, "You could plan a romantic night alone with Abyo, eat some delicious food, and… see where it takes you?" Ching felt that her head must have been letting off steam as she shoved Pucca away.

"Pucca!"

Pucca laughed. "What?"

Ching shook her head and place her hands on her cheeks to try and take away some of the heat. "Honestly." She tutted but a smile graced her face. "You think he'd want that?"

Pucca tilted her head and smirked. "Why wouldn't he? He'll be with his girlfriend and he'll have food. Seems like a win, win." As if on que, a man in his late twenties seemed to have overheard their discussion and appeared in front of them with a great smile.

"Beautiful ladies want to get away with their lucky fellas? How about Paradise Falls? It's gorgeous this time of year. Secluded and we have naturally occurring hot springs for our visiting couples." He thrust a pamphlet into Ching's hands. "We've been the reason 88% of our customers later got married, y'know? We practically guarantee you'll leave more in love than ever before!"

Pucca looked at him with dead eyes. He's really laying it on thick, huh? Can't be that good… On the other hand, Ching was quite intrigued by the pamphlet and seller's spectacular praises of the place. "Thanks. I'll check it out."

Pucca took hold of her friend and steered her away from the smooth-talking seller before he tried to get her to set up her future wedding with his company too. Ching's phone gave a loud buzz and she rustled through her bag to answer.

"Hello? Ah! Speak of the devil… No, that's not what it means Abyo… Yeah, I'm just with Pucca. No, no, I'm sure it'll be fine. Where? Okay. See you in a few!" Ching ended the call and turned on her friend with a bright smile. "Abyo wants to meet us at Sweet 'n' Treats. He's got something to tell me apparently."

"Oh. Alright." Pucca shifted on her feet. "I'll catch you later then?"

Ching grabbed her friend's hand. "No! He wanted you to come along too."

Pucca scoffed. "He did?"

Ching nodded enthusiastically. When Pucca didn't react, Ching yanked at her arm. "Oh, c'mon. I'll get you some ice cream while we're there?"

Pucca narrowed her eyes. "Hm… You drive a hard bargain." Ching's smile lit up her face. Together, the girls traversed the crowds, anticipating their future sugar crashes.

...

"When did he say he'd get here?" Pucca queried between bites of delectable ice cream. She was currently eating their new flavour: Oreo Cookies and Cream. It was to die for, Pucca thought as she greedily took another big mouthful.

"He shouldn't be long." Ching said sceptically. She was eating her Strawberry and Skittle Sunday rather slowly. Pucca hummed.

"What do you think he wants, anyway?"

"Don't know. You can never know with him."

Pucca nodded then stuck her spoon out in Ching's direction. "But that's why you like him."

Ching smiled softly. "Yeah. That's why I like him." Pucca looked at her friend at peace, glowing with her youthful love, and Pucca felt odd. Happiness? No… Jealous? No. Anxious? No… Pucca remained quiet. "Oh! There they are." Ching frantically waved through the window.

They? Pucca's head perked up and turned to watch the tall young men set off the door's bell. Abyo, with his hair sleeked back and his usual goofy grin plastered on his face, slandered over to Ching to lay a quick peck on her cheek. The other, tall, dark haired, with an equally dark expression took his dedicated seat opposite the loving couple besides Pucca. Pucca watched him as if he were a dangerous animal. She cast a sharp glance at Ching who simply ignored her. As the two happy adults conversed, Ching pestering Abyo about his surprise, the other two sat in awkward silence. Neither acknowledged the other for a long time. Pucca took another mouthful of ice cream and winced as the brain freeze was instant karma for being so rude.

"Oh, that's right. Do you want some ice cream?" Ching pipped up, looking at the men.

"Nah, I'll just pinch yours," Abyo teased as he dipped his head quickly to lap at Ching's tub she was still holding. She pulled it away in protest. When Abyo ceased his attack, Ching looked at Garu expectedly. He shook his head, no.

"So, what's the big surprise?" Pucca snipped at Abyo. The quicker he divulged the mystery the quicker she could make her escape. This didn't go unnoticed by Garu.

"Right, right, right." Abyo leaned in, as if he was about to talk about secret which could endanger the whole of China. "I was scouted today."

The gang were speechless.

"You were… what?" Pucca enquired.

"Y'know, scouted. An agent spotted me in the gym and wants to sign me!"

It was Ching's turn to peer into his face confused. "Sign you for… what?"

Abyo let out an irritated sigh. "You guys are impossible. Sign me to be a model! He said that I have a very unique look that a lot of companies would kill for." He was smiling to himself, oblivious to his friends' baffled expressions. They all shared a look before Ching took the initiative.

"Ha… Abyo, don't you remember the last time you were a model for someone?"

"Yeah, those morons who came in with their funny hairstyles and claimed you were the 'chosen one'?" Pucca couldn't help but add, "Your head grew three sizes just that day."

Ching gave her a subtle kick under the table.

"Oh, ha. Ha. No, really. They want me to sign their contract tomorrow. I'll be on TV in no time." Abyo began posing for his friends' benefits. "Don't you think it's the perfect job for me?"

"For your ego?" She got another swift kick from Ching. Pucca rubbed the area on her shin that was throbbing and she glared at her friend.

Luckily, Abyo didn't hear this. Instead he called to the waitress that he'd like three scoops of their Sorbet Sour to celebrate. Ching was anxious. Pucca was right: the last time he went down this route he ended up getting hurt and gaining a lot of weight due to the stress.

Garu was, as usual, very quiet during this exchange. Instead, he was watching Pucca from the corner of his eye. When he had entered, he saw the light fade from her face, her brows lower and her mouth form a tight line. It felt like an age since she had smiled at him, since she looked anything other than annoyed at his presence. He wasn't sure why his stomach contracted and his palms felt sweaty. He had taken a shower since working out this morning so he shouldn't be sweating.

Pucca had been staring out of the window while Abyo and Ching continued on with their regular banter, the concept of Abyo being a model momentarily forgotten for more light hearted chatter. Pucca watched the people bustling from one shop to another, some struggling with bags while others were rushing around after children. She was wondering when she could slip away without being rude to her friends. That's when someone outside of Sweets 'n' Treats came to a abrupt halt and stared back at Pucca. The familiar blue ringlets, now longer and left flowing around her shoulders like a lush curtain of silk, and dark blue eyes surrounded by heavy eyelashes. Ugh…. The young woman's face lit up, a smile gracing and causing her attractive features to dazzle those around her, but her eyes remained cool.

Pucca bit her nails into her palms as Ring-ring cheerfully bounded into the shop and sauntered over to their table. "Hey guys, looking as directionless as usual." Pucca smiled back at her which made Ring-rings face taunt, ever so slightly.

"Good afternoon, Ring-ring. What can we do for you today? 'Fraid we're all out of fuc-"

"Ring-ring!" Ching chimed in, giving a stern look at Pucca. While she knew Pucca never liked Ring-ring, very few people did, she wouldn't allow Pucca to lower herself in front of this awful person. Pucca casually looked out of the window, avoiding the astonished looks of the other gang members. "You're looking very stylish. Any special occasion?"

Ring-ring pulled up a chair and leaned obviously towards Garu. Garu remained sitting upright but he felt uncomfortable with how close she was getting, to the point that he could feel the heat coming from her body and feel her breath moving the loose pieces of hair by his neck. Garu, involuntarily, glanced at Pucca. She continued to stare out of the window with a neutral expression. He looked away at the table where the ice cream was melting, forgotten.

"I'm just planning a little celebration."

"Oh, what's it for?" Abyo asked.

Ring-ring's smirked and played with her low-cut top straps. "To celebrate our graduation of course. It'll be the Friday night after our final exams." She swept one of her hands across her collar bone, clearing away the hair that had fallen over her shoulders, while her other hand casually landed on Garu's knee. He stiffened but didn't move to reject it. He didn't want to embarrass himself or Ring-ring. Besides, he was trapped between two people so if he was to extract himself there wasn't a chance of doing it subtly. Again, his eyes flickered to the dark-haired beauty beside him. She still stared out of the window but her eyes had become unfocused. Listening…? Garu thought.

"That's a nice thought. Our entire class is going to be so stressed out from the exams."

"Exactly!" Ring-ring smiled. "I just wanted to let you know so you'd be free that Friday."

Ching paused. "Oh, so we're invited too?"

Ring-ring flicked her hand out, as if to say of course!

Ching smile was relatively forced. "That's really nice of you, Ring-ring. The thing is, you see, we're-"

"We're free." Pucca suddenly spoke out. She turned to look steadily at Ring-ring. "We'll be there. We don't want to rudely reject such a kind offer." Ring-ring met her gaze with a wide grin.

"Excellent! Then I'll see you all there! I've convinced my parents to get us some drinks in, too, so it's going to be a wild night no one will forget." Ring-ring gave Garu's knee one last squeeze before standing up and breezily walking towards the exit. "Oh!" She turned. "Be sure to dress up for the occasion. It's going to be a black-tie event. Really classy. Don't want you to be kept out by the bouncers, Pucca." She flashed her most fabulous smile before sweeping out of the door in a flurry of blue and white.

Abyo whistled into the following silence which fell on the group like a pile of rocks. "Well… Guess we'll be going to the party then."

Ching elbowed him. She looked back at Pucca who didn't show any annoyance at Ring-ring's pointed comment. She was simply sitting there with a small smile on her face. "Pucca, let's go get new outfits for the party. We'll make her regret inviting us."

Pucca slowly lifted her head. Her smile grew wider. "Okay."

The men looked back and forth between the girls, suddenly feeling quite uneasy with the whole affair. They soon departed and went their separate ways. Pucca and Ching promised to get together another time to search for the perfect outfits. Abyo linked with Ching and dragged her off with a wave. Garu paused, almost as if he was offering to walk Pucca home, but Pucca turned and walked without wishing him goodbye. He narrowed his eyes, watching her slowly walk away with her head bent, lost in thought. Pucca…

Oh, tut tut Garu. Those sneaky glances aren't even being acknowledged by our dearest Pucca. But I do wonder what Pucca's planning. On to the next event!